Investigation of Echocardiographic Parameters Correlated with Changes in BNP Levels in Patients with Acute Decompensated Systolic Heart Failure

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with systolic heart failure usually have concomitant diastolic dysfunction. There are limited data regarding the association between a decrease in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and echocardiographic parameters after the treatment of acute decompensated systolic heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between echocardiographic parameters and the changes in BNP levels after the treatment of acute decompensated systolic heart failure. Patients and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with acute decompensated systolic heart failure and having sinus rhythm were included in the study. BNP levels were measured before and after the treatment of acute decompensated systolic heart failure. All patients underwent a detailed echocardiographic study on admission and before discharge. We compared the correlation between echocardiographic parameters and BNP levels after the treatment of acute decompensated systolic heart failure. Results: The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.7 ± 1.3 days. There was a statistical significant relationship between a decrease in the left atrium diameter and area and a decrease in BNP levels. There was a significant positive correlation between a change in the LV E wave amplitude and BNP levels. The E/E' ratio, measured from the lateral medial mitral annulus, had a significantly positive and strong correlation with the changes in BNP levels. Sm, measured using tissue Doppler from the lateral mitral annulus, had a negative significant correlation with the changes in BNP levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that similar to the changes in BNP levels, echocardiographic parameters demonstrate a response to an optimal medical therapy in patients with acute decompensated systolic heart failure.